The coronavirus pandemic and ensuing lockdowns have paved the way for a ‘new normal’. Social distancing, stricter border controls, and travel restrictions are likely to be the norm for the foreseeable future, and to navigate this new reality it is imperative to support local businesses: ‘Vocal for local’, especially when it comes to fashion.

It is time to look closer at our roots and adopt Indian designers into our lives just a little more — be it for your festive looks or everyday ensembles. There is no better time to look inwards; towards artisans and crafts that are inherently homegrown and Indian. Designers have been featuring indigenous handiwork, fabrics and techniques for years now, effectively uplifting and empowering our people and our economy.

Indian designers from across the country have come together in solidarity. Sabyasachi, for instance, said via his Instagram page, “Made in India is no longer about only pride; it’s about promoting sustainable, equitable, and scalable growth that will help local businesses flourish and create more jobs on a grassroots level.” Anamika Khanna promised wages to all factory workers despite work being shut down during lockdown. With the world’s economy shifting, it is time to not only show respect for our heritage, culture and communities, but also support them by spending our hard-earned coin on local products.

And the best part about shopping Indian designers? It will add a sentimental touch to your personal closet… with pieces that you can connect with and crafts that you can champion. Indian craftsmanship is beautiful, unique and long-lasting — the type of clothes that one would pass down from one generation to another. We at Aashni + Co stand by this sentiment and have a beautiful curation of Indian brands for you. Find it here.

]]>http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/05/28/vocalforlocal/feed/0Heal The World: Inspiring Stories Part Ihttp://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/04/22/heal-the-world-inspiring-stories-part-i/
http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/04/22/heal-the-world-inspiring-stories-part-i/#respondWed, 22 Apr 2020 07:40:52 +0000http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/?p=2430“Heal the world, make it a better place. For you and for me and the entire human race.”

ANJUL BHANDARI

“When this lockdown was first announced, our foremost worry was a drop in sales since luxury is a non-essential indulgence. But it has allowed us to go back to our roots i.e. our karigars from Awadh. Their livelihood is our biggest priority, and we are ensuring they have continuous work to do from home. This community includes several women who are now the bread earners of their families. We truly believe that our people make our label.

This will also ultimately keep the heritage of chikankari and mukaish hand embroidery alive. As the world looks inwards, there’s no better time than now to treasure and preserve our heritage. We have always focused on sustainability, and it is imperative that we create long-lasting heirloom pieces that last a lifetime, and can be passed down to future generations.

It is our ongoing collective endeavour to grow the awareness for our craft forms and foster an appreciation for all that is beautiful in timeless Indian heritage. I am so glad that this lockdown has given me time to reflect and to continue to look after my people.

As long as we are together in our efforts and beliefs, we will emerge stronger, kinder and mindful at the end of this pandemic.”

ASTHA NARANG

“Covid-19 has shook the entire world and put everything on a standstill. It has affected the poor to an unimaginable level and has paused the entire world.

It has made me realise that we need to take steps (personally and professionally) for a safer world. My brand will now focus more on recycling and upcycling. We are changing our packaging to be more sustainable, and doing away with plastic for local deliveries. For international deliveries, we will only use minimal recycled plastic to avoid damage to the garments. We will use leftover fabrics to make garment covers, as well as use them in our collections in the most suitable ways. Our aim is to now be a minimum waste brand.

Lastly, it has made me realise that my company thrives because of my team. Their health is my priority.”

MRUNALINI RAO

“We have witnessed many disasters in the recent past — forest fires in the Amazon and in Australia, wildlife extinction, melting ice caps and now the Covid-19 pandemic. So, here we are — uncertain and anxious at home. A much-needed pause for us to go back and think about all the things we have taken for granted. I am thinking about how I have been doing things and how I should be doing them differently. I am grateful for everything I have had and I treasure every moment.

I am hoping for a more thoughtful, conscious and stronger world on the other side. And this means being sustainable as a business and also individually. Sustainability does not mean only using organic handlooms or eco-friendly raw material, it’s also about cutting down wastage. Let’s make it a way of life and not just limit it to clothes. Let us be more mindful to protect our planet. And let’s do it together.”

NIHARIKA SHEKHAWAT

“These uncertain times are allowing the planet to reboot and heal. Let’s pledge ourselves to a more sustainable way of life. Simple acts go a long way — don’t let your taps run too long, avoid using bath tubs, time your heaters and save paper. We are what we eat — so eat local and healthy. You can even grow your own garnishes in your garden or balcony. Let’s take responsibility for the planet we live in!”

SHYAMAL AND BHUMIKA SHODHAN

“We have pledged our resources to the welfare and safety of those around us, and have dedicated our facility for the production of masks for our municipal officers, police forces and front liners in the war against Covid-19. We are also making a contribution to a group of Covid Warriors who are arranging meals for daily wage earners. We express our immense gratitude towards the medical community working selflessly to keep us safe in the face of this calamity.”

]]>http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/04/22/heal-the-world-inspiring-stories-part-i/feed/0Heal The World: Inspiring Stories Part IIhttp://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/04/22/heal-the-world-inspiring-stories-part-ii/
http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/04/22/heal-the-world-inspiring-stories-part-ii/#respondWed, 22 Apr 2020 07:39:09 +0000http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/?p=2431“Heal the world, make it a better place. For you and for me and the entire human race.”

ABHINANDA AGARWAL

“Sometimes we have to experience the bad to appreciate the good. It’s destiny’s way of teaching us. This is one such time — use it to bring about positive change, because we are out of excuses not to do so.

My emotional , mental and physical wellness as well as sleeping patterns have never been better. It’s all about making the decision to clear our minds of clutter. I have cultivated a morning routine — I start my day with a dainik hawan and play bhajans for positive energy through the day. I also pray for the country and universe in Sanskrit and Hindi.

I also practice yoga and impart traditional wisdom (spiritual Hindu mantras specifically) to the kids at home who are 8 and 11-years-old. In the kitchen, the focus is now on clean and healthy food made from scratch with simple ingredients. Gone are the days of packaged foods and being lazy in the kitchen. I love sitting with the family and having home-made delicious satvic meals. We have also been sending food to homes of those who are unwell.

Let’s not waste this time — it can bring about miraculous changes not just to our individual lives, but to the planet as well.”

AMBREEN

“Being at home for almost five weeks has been challenging yet life-changing. Last year, after living with family for almost 36 years, we moved to our own new home. The transition was hard. But these last few weeks, I have been able to look at my home as a sanctuary, where I feel the most at peace. When the pandemic was announced and lockdown was put in place, we knew it was going to be a long journey before life gets back to what was normal.

As a family, we have been able to do all the little things that we haven’t had a chance to yet. Our first year in the new house went by so swiftly, with me being pregnant, settling in, decorating and then having my baby girl who is now almost six months old. We’ve been spending a lot more time in the garden having lunches. I’m busy chasing my two-year-old around the garden and playing with her. From fixing her bicycles to colouring, having stickers stuck all over my face and having play dough on the floors, entertaining her entertains me! Although I wish I had more time to catch up on movies.

We’ve put a more sustainable lifestyle into action. This includes using more plant-based cleaning products made from recycled plastic and non-toxic ingredients, recycling and reusing. I’ve been saving all my glass bottles to fill with lentils and am conscious about leaving taps running. Reducing our carbon footprint has been be an essential concern.

Professionally, I’m coming out my comfort zone — especially with live sessions on Instagram! — to engage and connect with more people through my social media channels. I’ve absolutely loved doing my make-up with my followers and really enjoyed answering all their questions. It’s been so much fun.

Cooking has always been a gloomy area for me. But things have taken a massive turn, and I’ve cooked and cooked three meals a day in the last five weeks — from biryani and roasts and everything in between. I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to use this time to achieve a personal positive for myself.

Lastly having this precious, uninterrupted time with my two girls and husband has been my saviour. I miss my family and loved ones. We talk everyday and I can’t wait to hug them tightly. I pray we all heal and take this time to change our lives for the best and come out stronger.”

ANUSHKA ROY KAPUR

They tell us a pandemic has come,

But I now see hope where there was none.

Areas of brown turn shades of green

The sky clears,

Air we can breathe.

Listen closely…

You hear the birds sing,

Stand still and feel that gentle breeze.

The sun shines above me, as I look up I see,

There is so much more clarity.

Gratitude now holds fort,

The rat race is over!

We have no reason to gloat.

It’s a world far better,

There is space for you and me.

Acts of kindness, love, bravery shine through.

And so, I thank you, and you and you.

For if this were not to be,

There would be no you and me.

LEKHA SHAH

“The current lockdown has allowed to me slow down, reflect and appreciate the smaller things in my life. While we need a clean and healthy environment, self-health is equally important too. The commitment I’ve made to myself is to reduce my carbon footprint as much as I can (be conscious of my plastic, power and water usage) and also adopt a more vegan lifestyle (from both a health and environmental standpoint). I truly hope that we follow through on this mindful approach post lockdown and don’t treat it as just another failed New Year’s resolution.”

RASHMI VIRANI

A world after Corona

Restaurants, parties, dressing up was fun

Make up, shellac, getting my hair done

A life so easy so free of worry and care

Until coronavirus came and ripped it bare.

A new language was quickly learnt

of masks gloves, sanitizers and meds

Isolation, lockdown, supermarket queues

and the daily numbers dead.

In my tracksuit, barefaced and plain

I am amazed at the insight I have gained

Life is actually so simple, it’s my haven my home

My family makes my heart beat, it’s my safe zone.

Eating, cooking, playing board games

Did we ever go to restaurants? I even forget the names

I’m actually quite happy in my isolation zone

Bhajans, jigsaws, WhatsApp chats never leave me alone.

The friends I dressed up and met for lunch, dinner or tea

Are so happy to Zoom with pajama-clad, unmade me!

We virtually hold each other’s hands

Laugh, share, even cry but understand!

So, this change for me may actually be inside out

Very little is needed to be happy without a doubt

So, I pledge to keep life as simple as can be

Just keeping the people I love close to me.”

ROSY JALAN

“When asked to write my thoughts on the current situation for this story, my first thought was still, “What will I wear?” Which designer? Which fabulous outfit in my overfilled wardrobes will I choose to be photographed in? But very soon, even with my array of exquisite Aashni + Co ensembles staring at me, one item stood out — one I wear with immense pride and gratitude.

Like all of us, I am searching for some positivity in these otherwise dark times. Never did I think it would be my scrubs that I would turn to for comfort.

Perhaps with the success and recognition I have received along the way in my medical career, I had overlooked the reason I went to medical school in the first place: the desire to serve. It has taken this horrific pandemic and the selfless nature demonstrated by my colleagues in the NHS (medical and paramedical), to remind me of this.

I’m proud of my generation of medics, who have stepped up without hesitation or fear in regards to their own personal safety. I am proud of the young doctors and medical students who have jumped in alongside. As well as by the commitment of the care givers, nursing staff, porters, cleaners and other service workers who are so under appreciated.

Being a medical family, we are still working but the lockdown has meant more family time than ever before: Time to cook with my daughter, time to cook for my locked away parents (a truly indulgent and satisfying seva). Time to reconnect with loved ones across the world. The family huddles over Zoom — usually reserved for once-a-year birthday wishes, they are now a weekly occurrence. Time to engage with each other: argue, debate, fight and make up.

So, what will I do when the pandemic ends?

I will hug my family and friends, and find time to maintain important relationships.

I will value and cherish my fellow workers and try and ensure lasting appreciation for all key service providers.

I will devote more time to teaching and training my juniors.

I will also be more aware on a global level, and I will recycle more.

I will consume less. I will support sustainable brands.

I will never take the opportunity to go for a walk for granted.

And most of all, I will dress up, party and dance till I drop to celebrate a new and better world.”

“As we are all in lockdown and facing perhaps the most trying time of our lives so far, I am sure most of us have paused, looked out of the window and gazed into the clear blue skies marvelling at how our slowdown is helping nature to heal. And it couldn’t come at a better time as we get set to celebrate Earth Month all of April.

As a responsible employer, I wouldn’t be doing a good job if I didn’t urge my team, partners and patrons to work towards a greener tomorrow.

During Earth Month, A+ Co would like to raise awareness and educate the community on the human impact on the environment. The goal of Earth Month is to create a culture of environmental stewardship. We would like to introduce ‘Go Green Pledges’ from our employees which are simple, interactive and offer the chance to make a positive change,” says our founder and creative director, Aashni Shah.We share with you the pledges by our team and send some suggestions your way to join our ‘Go Green’ club!

There is so much we can do, and even a little goes a long way. Here are some pledges that will only require a small tweak in your daily routine, but make a massive difference to the environment.

Replacing at least one cleaning product with a homemade one.

Using green transportation once a week.

Not buying any new items of clothing and upcycling older items from your wardrobe.

Using rags instead of paper towels.

Growing your own vegetables in your kitchen and vegetable garden at home. Or buying only local and seasonal produce, which is better for the environment.

Stopping the use of bottled water.

This is just a starter pack, get creative with your additions. We at A+CO hope you can participate and help make a difference to the world in your own way!

]]>http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/04/01/aashni-co-celebrates-earth-month/feed/0The A+CO Shop From Home Guidehttp://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/03/25/the-aco-shop-from-home-guide/
http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/03/25/the-aco-shop-from-home-guide/#respondWed, 25 Mar 2020 07:26:18 +0000http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/?p=2376A Grecian phrase goes like this: ‘May you live in interesting times.’ And interesting times are upon us indeed. A novel virus calls for novel combat measures, so social distancing has become the world’s weapon of choice.

But the isolation need not be a curse. Yes, being restricted to your home is never easy, but we have the blessed internet to keep us company. Turn to online shopping to treat yourself and to support businesses around you.

If you’ve been eyeing that lehenga for a while, now is a great time to buy it for the upcoming festive season (because we will get through this, and there will be much to celebrate when we do). It’s also a great idea to buy your holiday gifts in all this free time rather than be caught in the last-minute rush. Finish ordering all your gifts right now so when the holidays roll around, you’re armed with fabulous presents for your loved ones. Sales are aplenty too, so if you’re looking for a bang for your buck, now is the time.

In trying times such as these, it’s important to support businesses that are supporting their employees, and putting safety above sales.

We at A+CO have shut down our flagship London store until the crisis is averted, and our entire UK and India teams are working from home.

So while there’s no shame in turning to online shopping to cope, do a hygiene check (pun unintended) before you chose a particular e-shop. And remember to sanitise your delivery packages and offer sanitiser to your delivery agents too!

Shop online with aashniandco.com.

]]>http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/03/25/the-aco-shop-from-home-guide/feed/0Lakme Fashion Week SS/20 Reporthttp://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/02/22/lakme-fashion-week-ss20-report/
http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/02/22/lakme-fashion-week-ss20-report/#respondSat, 22 Feb 2020 12:01:36 +0000http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/?p=2358This month, we witnessed the five-day extravaganza that was Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2020 — setting the tone for the silhouettes, styles and colours that will rule the coming months. We bring you all the action from the FRow, as well as a closer look at the collections we’re bringing you straight off the runway!

Punit BalanaBlues and pinks ruled the runway in Punit Balana’s vibrant collection. Classic saris and tailored suits featured graphic prints. Dreamier peasant blouse and skirt sets, silk maxis and jumpsuits were also liberally interspersed in the lineup, with Tara Sutaria closing the show in a bridesmaid-friendly outfit. Shop this collection here!

Mrunalini RaoRao weaved a fairytale with her romantic designs inspired by the lotus flower. Hand embroidered zardozi and applique work adorned gossamer panels of skirts and blouses, which were in a pastel pink and green palette. Shop this collection here!

MishruChic, sophisticated and sleek are a few words that come to mind for Mishru’s pant suits, shararas, figure-hugging lehengas, and contemporary Victorian blouses. Each look featured eclectic prints in greys, blues, blacks and pinks. Shop this collection here!

]]>http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/02/22/lakme-fashion-week-ss20-report/feed/0The Magic of Being a Sabyasachi Bridehttp://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/01/03/the-magic-of-being-a-sabyasachi-bride/
http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2020/01/03/the-magic-of-being-a-sabyasachi-bride/#respondFri, 03 Jan 2020 10:24:04 +0000http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/?p=2338Sabyasachi. The mere name evokes rose-tined dreams of luscious velvets, regal silks, wispy drapes and all-round opulence in a chamber dressed with smoked mirrors; caskets of heirloom jewels casually strewn around. The days of wild bohemia. The age of grandeur. The flair of yesteryear royals…

Sabyasachi is not just a designer. But the orchestrator of bridal dreams that do come true. It’s no wonder that every Indian bride—from mega celebrities to the bride-next-door—dreams of tying the knot dressed in the designer’s timeless lehengas.

Sabyasachi at A+CO Wedding Show 2017 London

Priyanka Chopra in Sabyasachi. Photo by Stories by Joseph Radhik

A walk down the grand staircase of a heritage palace or an aisle amidst the grassy terrains of a vineyard; there is no mise en scène that a Sabyasachi doesn’t lend itself effortlessly to.

Deepika Padukone in Sabyasachi for her wedding. Photo by Errikos Andreou

“I learned early that my customers are not really buying into seasonal trends and fleeting fashion moments. They come to me for clothes that they will keep forever or pass down to their children,” said the designer himself in an interview with Business of Fashion. “A Sabyasachi woman believes in consistency and repetition. She celebrates her Indian-ness. This is not just about Indians in India, but the Indian diaspora who thrive on nostalgia for their motherland.”

A+CO Bride Shachi Bedar in Sabyasachi. Photo by Motiejus

A+CO Bride Harpreet Chohan in Sabyasachi for her Lake Como wedding

Owing a Sabyasachi is owing for eternity, a piece of Indian craftsmanship that is exemplary in its art. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Sabyasachi lehenga is the perfect stepping stone into a bride’s new life of wedded bliss. With each bead and seam sewn with utmost care, uniqueness is obviously the natural by-product. Modern yet timeless, these ensembles connect the bride to her ancestral past while painting a dazzling picture of the tomorrow that’s on her horizon. It’s something old, with something new. It’s the best of all worlds. What’s not to say ‘I do’ to?

The humble kurta has its roots in and has evolved out of the nomadic tunics of Central Asia. In fact, some claim that the word ‘kurta’ originates from the Persian word for a collarless shirt while others say it has Sanskrit/ Urdu origins. Over the years it became one of the most popular forms of clothing worn by people in the South Asian subcontinent.

Made out a variety of fabrics from cotton to silk and jute to khadi this article of clothing was also fashioned in different styles, all named after the states they came from. So you’d have the Lucknowi kurta famous for its overlapping panels; the Hyderabadi variants distinguished by the keyhole opening at the neck; the straight-cut Punjabi kameez and more.

Maayera Jaipu

But gone are the days when it was worn out only for errands or given step treatment in one’s wardrobes. Originally designed for and worn primarily by men, the kurta’s reputation has moved on to become a favoured look for festivities today. For many, it is an everyday staple. But dressier versions have finally seeped into occasion wear wardrobes too today.

]]>http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2019/11/22/the-aco-kurta-edit/feed/0Indian fashion and beauty collaborations we lovehttp://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2019/09/25/indian-fashion-and-beauty-collaborations-we-love/
http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/2019/09/25/indian-fashion-and-beauty-collaborations-we-love/#respondWed, 25 Sep 2019 10:17:11 +0000http://www.aashniandco.com/journal/?p=2310Collaborations between design powerhouses across industries isn’t new. Fashion designers and beauty brands have been tying up to combine their signature aesthetics with limited edition lines for decades now. Think: Karl Lagerfeld x Shu Uemura, Lulu Guinness and Ghd, Alexander Wang x Sally Hansen and more. Closer home, these partnerships are springing up with increasing frequency, and we aren’t complaining. Here’s a look at some of the most buzz-worthy launches of recent times. You wouldn’t be wrong to wish they never go out of stock!

Masaba X NykaaNeatly wrapped up in eco-friendly cardboard packaging covered in her signature prints is designer Masaba Gupta’s first-ever beauty line created in collaboration with multi-brand beauty retailer Nykaa. Masaba by Nykaa, as it’s known, was a project that launched in July 2019 after two years in the making. The range features 12 lipsticks and nail paints and a dip-in polish remover, all christened with fun, bold names that are completely in sync with Masaba’s personal brand.

Sabyasachi X L’OréalIn a move that marked his foray into the world of beauty, designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee partnered up with cosmetics giant L’Oréal Paris to create a classic, iconically Indian collection and cast Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the face. The limited edition collection included lipsticks, liquid liners, volumising mascaras and make-up kits made of soft-touch faux leather embossed with the brand’s logo. The pieces in the collection were perfect for sporting the classic look of red lip and winged eyeliner.

Manish Malhotra x MyGlammDuring peak wedding season last year, brides and non-brides alike were spoilt for choice thanks to MyGlamm’s exclusive collaboration with Bollywood’s go-to designer, Manish Malhotra. The products part of ‘Manish Malhotra Haute Couture Make-up’ included eyeshadow palettes (in foil, metallic and matte), glossy lipsticks, lip glosses, shine-so-bright nail paints, long-lasting blushes and mega-watt highlighters. The best part? They’re all made in line with the company’s commitment to being cruelty-free.

Manish Arora x Kama Ayurveda For his partnership with Kama Ayurveda, maverick couturier Manisha Arora launched a limited edition Valentine’s Day #LoveisLove box designed in hot pink and gold. Trust a Manish Arora collaboration to include the brightest packaging on the shelf. The box included two brooches in the designer’s signature eclectic embroidery, and Kama Ayurveda’s bestselling pure rose water mist. Launched a month before V-Day, it gave shoppers enough time to cop one for their partners.

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla recently celebrated 33 years of their flagship label with a zestful fashion show that saw Deepika Padukone close the extravaganza. It was a runway party — grand, larger than life, and full of drama…much like the brand itself. Truth be told, the Indian couturiers have always forged ahead with forward-thinking innovations that have shaped the Indian fashion industry, rightly earning them their ‘veterans’ title.

Ahead of the festive season, we’re bringing you an Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla trunk show featuring three labels from the stalwart house — ASAL by Abu Sandeep, Gulabo by Abu Sandeep and Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla by Saboo. Ask them about their association with Aashni + Co, and they say: “It’s imperative to showcase one’s work with those who share a vision for excellence, a love for luxury and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards. Aashni + Co is the perfect fit for us.”

We speak to the designer duo about what you can expect at our upcoming London trunk show and their top tips for the season.

Jacqueline Fernandez in ASAL

You are bringing three labels to the A+CO trunk show. Why do you think they are the best picks for your UK patrons?

We have chosen these labels and ranges because they are perfect for the festive season. An entire spectrum of ensembles which take you from poojas and Diwali parties to wedding wear. This season calls for celebration and that means dressing fabulously too. Gulabo is about having fun.

Kareena Kapoor khan in Gulabo

The ASAL collection boasts occasion wear which includes understated, thread work in off-white, delicious brights and glamorous sequin and mirror work. Our jewellery is something we always wanted to showcase to a London audience. It’s precious, unique and made for those who value the exceptional.

Asal by Abu Sandeep

Tell us a little about the collections you will showcase at the A+CO trunk show.

The collections are deliciously diverse. There is something for every woman and man, and their many moods. We’re carrying some fabulous menswear too. We have played with the traditional, and tweaked classical silhouettes to make them relevant for the 21st century. The sari becomes ever more glamorous with concept blouses. Ghararas join anarkalis and kurtas as a silhouette for festive wear. Find them all at the trunk show.

ASAL by Abu Sandeep

How would you sum up the AJSK sensibility?

It’s highly original, fabulously crafted and high impact. A passion for beauty, a commitment to creating the finest. A reverence for craftsmanship be it embroideries or tailoring or use of fabrics and drapes. God is in the detail and our work is always layered and finished to exacting standards. A refusal to follow external trends and instead set them. Timeless elegance which is both absolutely current and forever. To be original, to always hone and reinvent one’s expression. A tireless mission to keep growing and evolving. One’s sensibilities remain written in stone, one’s expression must always be fluid.

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla by Saboo

What prompted you to launch ASAL and Gulabo?

As artists we love to challenge ourselves, to expand our expression. Asal by Abu Sandeep is a diffusion line. We are natural born couturiers but wanted to diversify into diffusion and pret-a-porter to create for wider audiences, to experiment with our own work beyond couture. Asal bears all the hallmarks of our couture. It is younger, edgier and appeals to a wider demographic.

Gulabo by Abu Sandeep explores our love for whites, for cotton and khadi. It is a feast of fun. Separates which feature delicious detailing in embroideries, mirror and gota. It has a resort vibe with a punch of luxe style.

Why did you decide to venture into fine jewellery with Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla by Saboo?

Fine jewels are a personal passion. This collection is born from that. We wanted to reinvent the classical using heritage techniques and cutting edge design. Rich with romance, deeply glamorous and intricately detailed, it is a fantasy expression. We have worked with natural pearls, rose-cut diamonds, polkis and coloured stones.

Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla by Saboo

How have you seen the Indian bride evolve in the past couple of years?

She has become more adventurous, with a desire to write her own rules. There is a huge curiosity to explore western silhouettes and incorporate them into her wardrobe. Most Indian weddings now have a function which is about cocktail dresses and gowns. The traditional colour palettes have also changed with many brides opting for nudes, beiges and pastels rather than the traditional red, fuchsia and orange.

Your top tips for shopping this festive season?

Less is more. Buy quality and buy classics. Ditch the gimmicky because beauty must outlive a season. Have a lot of fun with silhouettes. Go for a gharara. Start wearing saris. They are glam central and as sensuous as it gets.